Union minister V Somanna visits GSV
Blast on Railway Track Derails Jaffar Express in Pakistan, Several Injured
Peshawar, Oct 7: Several passengers were injured on Tuesday when a blast on a railway track derailed five bogies of the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express in Sindh province, railway police said. The explosion occurred near Somarwah, close to Sultan Kot in Shikarpur district. Injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals, while a rescue operation is underway. [] The post Blast on Railway Track Derails Jaffar Express in Pakistan, Several Injured appeared first on Northlines .
Railway Track Blast Derails Jaffar Express In Pakistan, Several Injured
Peshawar, Oct 7: Several people were injured in a blast that occurred on a railway track, which derailed five bogies of a train in Pakistans southwestern Sindh province on Tuesday, railway police said. The injured passengers of the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, which has been attacked multiple times this year, were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. The explosion occurred near Somarwah, close to Sultan Kot in Shikarpur district of Sindh. A rescue operation is underway at the site, police said. [] The post Railway Track Blast Derails Jaffar Express In Pakistan, Several Injured appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Women bear brunt of climate insecurity but are excluded from decision-making, says report
NEW DELHI: A sobering fact sheet released this month by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) highlights the disproportionate impact of climate insecurity on women and girls, while exposing their continued exclusion from peace and climate governance. The report, Climate, Peace and Security Thematic Fact Sheet: Women, Peace and Security 2025, draws on data from the UN, IPCC, and World Bank to reveal a grim reality: by 2050, climate change could push 158 million women and girls into povertysurpassing the 142 million men and boys similarly affected. Today, 26.7% of women face food insecurity compared to 25.4% of men, underscoring a persistent gender gap in vulnerability. In 2023, women accounted for 40% of civilian conflict deaths, children 30%, and men the remaining 30%, reflecting the specific and uneven risks women endure amid climate-related conflicts. These numbers lay bare the fact that climate insecurity is neither gender-neutral nor benign. The report details how womens daily survival activitiessuch as fetching water or collecting firewoodexpose them to increased abuse. Overcrowded water points provoke domestic conflict, and long journeys to distant resources heighten vulnerability to assault. Displacement intensifies these dangers; in Somalia, for example, displaced women live under a constant threat of sexual violence. Despite bearing these burdens, women also play vital roles in community resilience. In Chad, women constitute 60% of the agricultural workforce, maintaining production despite drought and land degradation. In Yemen, womens committees have successfully negotiated access to water resources with tribal leaders and military groups, easing tensions and providing critical relief. Yet, their presence in formal peace and climate decision-making remains marginal. Between 1989 and 2018, womens groups participated in just 9% of formal peace talks in Africa and the Americas and only 12% of non-violent peace initiatives. At the 2024 COP29 climate summit, women made up only 35% of delegates, while from 2015 to 2023, women held just 22% of permanent seats on the UN Security Council. The fact sheet outlines four key pathways through which climate insecurity affects women: impacts on livelihoods, migration, armed actors, and grievances. Communities reliant on farming and pastoralism face acute vulnerability to environmental shocks. Mens migration for work, observed in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Mali, leaves women with heavy responsibilities amid scarce resources. Armed groups exploit these vulnerabilitiesex-combatants in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria cite climate pressures as recruitment drivers; in Ugandas Karamoja, drought-induced cattle losses fuel raids. Children, especially girls, are recruited in Myanmar and Sierra Leone under similar stresses, while women environmental defenders in Colombia face threats from armed and security forces linked to clean energy projects. Policy responses remain inadequate. Although over three-quarters of agricultural policies acknowledge womens roles, only 19% explicitly prioritise gender equality. National climate adaptation plans often mention gender superficially, resulting in a fragmented landscape where climate policies ignore gender, and gender policies overlook climate. The report calls for urgent measures: increased funding for grassroots womens groups via the UN Peacebuilding Fund and Green Climate Fund; stronger protections against gender-based violence and forced recruitment for displaced people; enhanced involvement of local mediators and Indigenous leaders; and integrating climate as a core issue in Women, Peace and Security national action plans. Importantly, it emphasises including men and boys in gender-responsive approaches, recognising how evolving masculinities under climate stress can either escalate conflict or promote peace. The study concludes with a stark warning: climate change amplifies existing dangers and inequalities. Without placing gender at the heart of policy, cycles of inequality and violence will intensify, undermining both peace and security.
Mumbai: Somaiya Kala Vidya marks artisan journeys at Kachchhi Virasat
Somaiya Kala Vidya's annual Kachchhi Virasat exhibition recently concluded at Cymroza Art Gallery, showcasing 30 artisan designers from Kutch and Bagalkote. The event blended heritage crafts like Ajrakh and Suf embroidery with contemporary design, marking the culmination of a year-long immersion. It empowered artisans to launch independent labels, ensuring traditional Indian crafts remain vibrant and relevant in today's markets.
Somaiya Vidyavihar University has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding with Montclair State University, New Jersey, to foster global academic and research collaborations. This partnership will open new pathways in management, nursing, and healthcare, preparing students for international careers and addressing critical workforce needs, particularly for licensed nurses.
Government Rural Siddha Hospital in Somarasanpettai to get new building
The new building is being constructed at an estimated cost of 30 lakh granted under the National AYUSH Mission and will include rooms for yoga exercises
Milind Somans 7 secrets to lean, ageless fitness revealed
At 59, Milind Soman keeps his ageless fitness with a simple daily routine, avoiding calorie counting and processed foods entirely. His focus is on natural, seasonal meals that fuel his active lifestyle. This no-fuss approach proves that consistency beats complicated diets, and it sets the tone for a sustainable, energetic life.
Omar calls activists arrest unfortunate
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the arrest of climate activist Soman Wangchuk was unfortunate, and accused the BJP-led NDA government of backtracking on its promises. This (Wangchuk arrest) is unfortunate. The way the Central government was after him since yesterday, it seemed they would do something like this, Abdullah told reporters on []
Omar Calls Wangchuks Arrest Unfortunate, Says Centre Didnt Keep Its Promise
Srinagar, Sep 26: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the arrest of climate activist Soman Wangchuk was unfortunate, and accused the BJP-led NDA government of backtracking on its promises. This (Wangchuk arrest) is unfortunate. The way the Central government was after him since yesterday, it seemed they would do something like this, Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony of the third Junior Asian Pencak Silat championship here. Promises were made with the [] The post Omar Calls Wangchuks Arrest Unfortunate, Says Centre Didnt Keep Its Promise appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Dont want her: Trump says Somalia wont take back Ilhan Omar; she dubs him lying buffoon
Tension at Pawan Kalyan film premiere in Bengaluru as fans brandish plastic weapons
BENGALURU: Tension prevailed outside the Sandhya Theatre in Chikka Madiwala during the premiere of the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Konidala Pawan Kalyan starrer They Call Him OG on Wednesday night when several fans brandished machetes, knives and other weapons on the road. The Madiwala police took several of the youth into custody. During investigation, the police found that the weapons were made of plastic. The police have registered an NCR against the theatre manager, Somashekar Reddy, for trying to put up a DJ set and putting up posters leading to the fans creating tension. Clear instruction was issued to the manager not to set up any DJ set for the movie release. Despite this, the DJ set was being set up on Wednesday night along with loudspeakers. Earlier, during another Telugu movie release, Kannada organisations had raised objections against the theatre for not using the Kannada language in the banners. The Madiwala Police inspector had given a notice to the manager to follow certain procedures during the film release, said an officer. The fans had brought the plastic weapons to take photographs with the cutouts. Three plastic machetes have been recovered.
V Somanna met Nitin Gadkari to speed up compensation for landowners. This is for the Satellite Town Ring Road project. The project covers the Dobbaspet- Madagapalli section. Somanna also requested early completion of national highway projects in Tumakuru. He asked for a review of the highway alignment from Mallasandra to Vasanthanarasapura.
Milind Soman shares what he has for breakfast and we now know why he looks so young at 60
Milind Soman, nearing 60, maintains his youthful energy through a simple diet rich in seasonal fruits. He emphasizes starting the day with fruits like papaya, mangoes, and bananas, avoiding processed foods. This approach, combined with wholesome lunches and dinners of dal, rice, and vegetables, contributes to his overall well-being and defies conventional aging expectations.
Somalia-bound cargo ship catches fire on Gujarat coast; no casualties reported
AHMEDABAD: A Jamnagar-based cargo ship, PDI 1383 Haridasran, loaded with 950 tonnes of rice and 78 tonnes of sugar caught fire at Porbandar Port, Gujarat, on Monday morning. No casualties were reported as all 14 crew members were safely evacuated after the rescue and firefighting operations. Within moments, thick smoke and raging flames engulfed the ship, visible from a distance, raising alarm across the port. With lives secured, the burning vessel was tugged away from the port into open waters to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby ships and infrastructure. Firefighters battled the fire at sea, but the ship sustained extensive damage, leaving its future uncertain. Authorities have begun a probe to determine the cause of the fire. Relief teams continue cooling operations to prevent a flare-up.
Video: Somalia-Bound Ship Catches Fire At Gujarat's Porbandar
A ship anchored at Porbandar Subhashnagar Jetty in Gujarat caught fire on Monday. The fire dousing operation began with three fire brigade vehicles arriving at the scene, said officials.
Somalia-Bound Ship Carrying Rice, Sugar Catches Fire At Porbandar Jetty, Towed Out To Sea
Authorities later towed the ship to the middle of the sea to contain the flames.
The Minister of State for Railways inaugurates the additional RoB atop the Mangaluru-Mumbai Railway line on NH 169A at Indrali in Udupi
Drug-free India key message of Namo Yuva Run: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya
Mumbai, Sep 21: BJP Yuva Morcha chief and Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya on Sunday said the drug-free India message was the most significant takeaway from the nationwide youth run organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modis 75th birthday. PM Modi turned 75 on September 17. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Surya, and actor and fitness icon Milind Soman flagged off the run in Mumbai on Sunday morning. The BJP Yuva Morcha organised the NaMo [] The post Drug-free India key message of Namo Yuva Run: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Samithi to urge Somanna for coach watering and train stabling facilities in coastal Karnataka
Introduction of Bengaluru-Udupi Vande Bharat Express and Udupi Railway Station development under Amrit Bharat Scheme will also be demanded
Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on Representative Ilhan Omar after a House resolution to censure her failed. Trump called Omar errible and suggested impeachment. He questioned her background, criticizing Somalia's governance and repeating debunked allegations about her citizenship. Trump asserted that individuals from struggling nations shouldn't advise the US
Somanna to inaugurate additional railway overbridge at Indrali on September 21
Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna will inaugurate the newly constructed additional railway overbridge (RoB) on Malpe-Tirthahalli National Highway 169A atop Mangaluru-Mumbai railway line at Indrali in Udupi on September 21
Is Cancer A Genetic Disease? Here's What The Latest Research Shows
Yes, cancer is fundamentally a genetic disease, but not only a hereditary one. Most cancers arise from mutations acquired during life (somatic mutations) interacting with inherited genes and environmental exposures. Understanding this interplay expla
Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital celebrates 15th graduation day in Bengaluru
Union Minister V. Somanna was the chief guest
Santosh Lad accused of failing to cooperate in completing land acquisition for railway project
I will speak to Dharwad in-charge Minister again, says Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna
Minister Releases Water From Somasila Reservoir Into Pennar River
Though the reservoirs capacity has been enhanced to 78 TMC feet, water levels are being maintained at 74 TMC feet due to safety concerns: AP Endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy
Somasila Reservoir Reaches Historic Storage Level Even While Releasing Water
Farmers in Nellore treat Somasila Reservoir as their lifeline and modern temple: Reports
Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy releases water from Somasila Reservoir to Penna River
The government is preparing plans to set up temple tourism parks across the district as per the orders of the Chief Minister
All you need to know about: the kissing bug disease
Chagas disease is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, predominantly transmitted through kissing bugs or triatomine insects
NCLT orders ex-promoters of HNG to repay defrauded Rs 42 cr amount to debtors
NEW DELHI, Sept 13:The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has directed the erstwhile promoters of Hindusthan National Glass & Industries Ltd (HNG) to return Rs 42.46 crore, misappropriated by them, to corporate debtors within two months. The Kolkata bench of the NCLT also ordered the Resolution Professional of the debt-ridden company to institute criminal prosecution against suspended directors Sanjay Somany and Mukul Somany under Section 69 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The tribunal found the transactions of Rs 42.46 [] The post NCLT orders ex-promoters of HNG to repay defrauded Rs 42 cr amount to debtors appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BJYM Launches 'Namo Yuva Run' For PM Modi's 75th birthday; 1 Million Likely To Participate
BJYM launches Namo Yuva Run on September 21 at 75 locations to mark PM Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, with Milind Soman as ambassador and focus on Nasha Mukt Bharat.
'Namo Yuva Run' campaign to mark PM Modi's 75th birthday, Milind Soman announced brand ambassador
LIVE: BJP MPs M Mandaviya & Tejasvi Surya hold Joint press Conference |Fit India| Milind Soman
IFS officer in Uttarakhand sues Cabinet Secretary over false affidavit, alleges defamation
DEHRADUN: In a dramatic escalation of a long-running bureaucratic dispute, Sanjeev Chaturvedi, the prominent Uttarakhand cadre Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer and Magsaysay Award laureate, has initiated criminal proceedings against Indias top bureaucrat, Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan. Chaturvedi has accused Somanathan of filing a false affidavit and making defamatory remarks in court, seeking stringent criminal action from the Nainital High Court. The High Court is scheduled to hear the petition on September 16. This legal battle stems from a controversy dating back to Chaturvedis tenure as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. During his time there, he initiated several high-profile corruption investigations, which later became the subject of various legal challenges. The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), in February 2023, ordered the production of documents related to these AIIMS corruption cases. Following alleged non-compliance, CAT initiated contempt proceedings in May 2023 against both the Cabinet Secretary and the Union Health Secretary. It is against this backdrop of alleged non-adherence to tribunal orders that the new legal challenge has emerged in the High Court. Chaturvedi has not only termed the writ petition filed by the Cabinet Secretary as baseless but also strongly objected to the allegations made within it. To substantiate his claims, he presented to the court a 2014 file noting from then Union Health Secretary Love Verma and Health Ministry CVO Vishwas Mehta. The document reportedly praised Chaturvedis integrity and dedication as outstanding. Speaking on the matter, Chaturvedi said, It is deeply unfortunate that the petition filed by the countrys Cabinet Secretary contains baseless and defamatory allegations. He added, The anti-corruption actions taken during my tenure were consistently affirmed in writing by top officials of the Health Ministry, confirming the integrity and merit of my work. The case underscores the ongoing friction between a decorated officer known for his anti-corruption stance and the highest levels of the bureaucracy, setting the stage for a closely watched legal battle in the coming weeks.
Somanna accuses Karnataka govt. of apathy; demands focus on relief, development
Kerala govt sets up first Senior Citizens Commission in India
Kerala has established the nation's first Senior Citizens Commission. This aims to safeguard the rights of elderly citizens. K Somaprasad is the chairperson of the Thiruvananthapuram-based commission. Amaravila Ramakrishnan and others are appointed as members. The commission will address neglect and exploitation faced by the elderly. It was formed under the Kerala Senior Citizens Commission Act, 2025.
MLC Kavitha suspended from BRS for disciplinary violation
Hyderabad, Sep 2: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) today announced the suspension of MLC K. Kavitha from the party. In an official statement issued by BRS general secretaries Soma Bharat Kumar and T Ravinder Rao, it was confirmed that party president K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) took the decision citing disciplinary violations. Kavitha, daughter of KCR [] The post MLC Kavitha suspended from BRS for disciplinary violation appeared first on Northlines .
Abundant Water In Somasila, Kandaleru Set To Irrigate 7 Lakh Acres: Somireddy
With water levels in Somasila reservoir crossing 62 TMC and Kandaleru reaching 36 TMC, farmers in Nellore district are set for a bumper agricultural season
Very few musicians like Bismillah Khan reach level of poetry in music
Sarod exponent Ustad Amjad Ali Khan believes there are some classical musicians who get into the grammar of music, others connect with its literature, but there are very few like shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan who can reach the level of poetry in their music. Khan was given the Bismillah Khan Samman at Yaad-e-Bismillah on August 20, an event organised by his disciple Soma Ghosh to commemorate the legacy of the shehnai legend, at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the [] The post Very few musicians like Bismillah Khan reach level of poetry in music appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Supreme Court bins plea against use of TN temple land for building college
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain an appeal against the Madras High Courts verdict allowing the Tamil Nadu government to utilise Sri Somanathaswamy Temples land on lease for building a government college in Kolathur in Chennai. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected a petition filed by TR Ramesh against the HCs division bench judgment of February 20, 2025. The issue of use of temple land by the state for building educational institutes in Tamil Nadu has been a political hot potato, with the DMK government defending the move and opposition parties slamming the government for allegedly misusing temple funds and resources gifted by the faithful for non-religious activities. Chief Minister MK Stalin is the legislator of the Kolathur Assembly seat where the college is proposed to be built. The Madras HC bench in October 2024 had upheld a single judges order which stated that the proposed long-term lease of 2.50 acres of land belonging to Sri Somanathaswamy Temple in Kolathur to Sri Kapaliswarar Temple in Mylapore for 25 years to establish an arts and science college was meant for running a college and, thus, the object being a benevolent one, the petitioner can submit his written objections or suggestions against such proposed lease before the Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. The petitioner, Ramesh, had challenged the HR&CE commissioners notification issued on September 3, 2024. HR&CE notification didnt provide any details on rent fixed on land belonging to Sri Somanathaswamy temple The petitioner claimed that it was done in violation of Section 34 of the TN HR&CE Act, 1959 and Rule 2 of Alienation of Immovable Trust Property Rules, 1960. After hearing senior advocates Haripriya Padmanabhan and Jaydeep Gupta for the petitioner and the respondents, respectively, the bench said, We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned judgment/order of the High Court. Accordingly, the Special Leave Petition is dismissed. In its plea, the petitioner contended that the notification did not provide any details regarding the amount of rent fixed or the manner in which the rent would be utilized for the benefit of the Sri Somanathaswamy Temple. The petitioner had said that the impugned notification was not in accordance with the seven rules prescribed in the GO (Ms No 866) dated February 15, 1960. Min welcomes order Chennai: HR&CE Minister PK Sekarbabu on Friday thanked the SC for dismissing the plea. After the DMK government assumed office, as many as 3,503 temples have been consecrated, and the number may go up to 4,000 by January 2026, he said
The Hindu Impact: V. Somanna promises review to fast-track Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project
His assurance follows The Hindus Spotlight report published on August 29, titled A dream derailed, which highlighted the projects setbacks
Somanahalli Nagaraju elected president of HDCC for third consecutive term
Manoj Jarange reaches Mumbai ahead of Maratha quota protest
MUMBAI: Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange reached Mumbai Friday morning, hours ahead of his protest at Azad Maidan in the city. Accompanied by hundreds of vehicles, Jarange, who began his march from his village in Jalna district on Wednesday, was welcomed at Vashi by supporters as he entered Mumbai. Thousands of his supporters have already reached Mumbai. Jarange left along with his supporters from Antarwali Sarati village , located over 400 km from Mumbai, to launch a fresh hunger strike. The 43-year-old has been demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Jarange has said his supporters would protest peacefully and not disrupt the ongoing Ganesh festival. He has been demanding that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis 'an agrarian caste included in the OBC category' which will make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education. The Jalna police allowed Jarange and his supporters to proceed with their march after imposing 40 conditions, directing them to avoid any law-and-order situations, not to cause disruptions to the movement of vehicles and desist from avoiding 'objectionable' slogans. Mumbai police have allowed Jarange permission to stage peaceful protests at Azad Maidan on August 29 between 9 am to 6 pm. At 6 p.m., all protesters will have to leave the site, police said. Police also stipulated that only five vehicles of protesters can head to Azad Maidan and the number of protesters there should not cross 5,000. Over 1,500 Mumbai police personnel have been deployed at Azad Maidan to maintain law and order ahead of Jarange's agitation, officials said. Security has also been beefed up at the nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus where quota agitation supporters have arrived from Maharashtra's hinterlands, the railway police said. The Eastern Freeway and Sion-Panvel highway will be closed for all vehicular movement except emergency services on Friday in view of the protest. The order was issued by the Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) on Thursday evening, said an official. Panvel-Sion Road, V N Purav Road, Eastern Freeway, P D'Mello Road, Wallchand Hirachand Marg, Dr Dadabhai Nauroji Road and Hajarimal Somani Road will be closed for all types of vehicular traffic except emergency service vehicles, said the official. The order will be in force from 6 am on Friday till further orders, he added.
Record Water Availability In Nellore, Says Anam
Speaking to the media at his Santapeta camp office, he noted that Somasila and Kandaleru reservoirs were brimming, holding 90 to 100 TMCft together.
Genetic testing of IVF embryos can help women over 35 conceive faster
Genetic testing of IVF-created embryos could help more women over 35 have a baby in less time, according to a study on Monday. Researchers from Kings College London, UK, led the first randomised controlled trial worldwide to focus exclusively on women aged 35-42 a group at higher risk of producing embryos with chromosomal abnormalities. [] The post Genetic testing of IVF embryos can help women over 35 conceive faster appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Special cleanliness campaign 5.0 to prioritise e-waste disposal in government offices
NEW DELHI: This years Special Campaign on Swachhata (Cleanliness) will extend beyond routine scrap disposal and weeding out of outdated files, with a renewed focus on the removal of obsolete electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) such as defunct printers, discarded CPUs, computer monitors, and batteries occupying valuable office space. According to a note from Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan sent to all ministries and departments, Special Campaign 5.0, aimed at institutionalising cleanliness and reducing pendency, will prioritise the scientific management of e-waste generated in government offices. Special attention will also be given to field and outstation offices that provide public services or maintain direct public interaction, in addition to central ministries, departments, attached and subordinate offices, autonomous bodies, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), which has led the annual initiative since its inception in 2021, has issued comprehensive guidelines for this years campaign. The month-long drive is set to begin on 2 October, focusing on cleanliness, space optimisation, and the disposal of pending matters across all government offices. This years edition will place special emphasis on the scientific disposal of e-waste in compliance with the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022. Offices will be required to identify and safely dispose of discarded computers, printers, laptops, LEDs, and other electronic equipment, said officials involved in the planning. Over the past four years, the campaign has facilitated the generation of 3,220 crore in revenue from scrap disposal, covered nearly 12 lakh sites in cleanliness efforts, and enabled the closure of over 1.37 crore files. The campaign will be carried out in two phases: The preparatory phase (1530 September) will involve the nomination of nodal officers, identification of pending matters, space management planning, assessment of scrap and e-waste, and finalisation of disposal procedures. The implementation phase will commence on 2 October, marking Mahatma Gandhis birth anniversary. During this period, offices will conduct cleanliness drives, dispose of e-waste, and clear backlogs including MPs queries, inter-ministerial notes, PMO references, and public grievances. In his directive, Dr. Somanathan emphasised the importance of leadership in ensuring the campaigns success. Your leadership and active involvement will be crucial for the success of the campaign, as seen in the past four years. Appropriate instructions may also be issued to all offices and organisations under your ministry/department for meaningful participation and successful implementation of Special Campaign 5.0, his letter to secretaries of all ministries stated.
Plantation workers pay homage to Vazhoor Soman
Peerumade MLA Vazhoor Soman passes away
He collapsed while attending a revenue assembly at PTP Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram and was rushed to a hospital but his life could not be saved.
Kerala MLA Vazhoor Soman Passes Away
The body will be taken to Peermade.
EkinCare elevates Somak Ray to co-founder from vice president of operations
Wellness company ekincare has promoted Somak Ray, previously VP of Operations, to co-founder. Ray will now spearhead operational scaling, strategic partnerships, and international expansion. Since 2016, he has been instrumental in building the company's infrastructure, including leading a large-scale vaccination initiative and expanding the provider network, contributing significantly to ekincare's growth and market presence.
Somany Ceramics Confident Of High Single-Digit Revenue Growth Led By Enhanced Capacity Utilisation
The company is targeting capacity utilisation of 80-81% in FY26.
Somany Ceramics halts operations at Haryana facility amid GAIL pipeline leak
Somany Ceramics has suspended operations at its Kassar plant in Haryana due to a temporary gas supply disruption from GAIL following a pipeline leakage caused by heavy rainfall. GAIL has initiated restoration work, and Somany is monitoring the situation closely. The company assures that sufficient stock is available to meet sales demand, and all other plants remain operational.
A.P. CM calls for urgent flood precautions in view of heavy rain
Emphasising efficient use of the heavy inflows, Naidu orders diversion of up to four tmc ft of floodwater daily to Somasila and Kandaleru reservoirs
Scan-and-ride in city: Urban mobility takes public e-bicycle sharing route
SHILLONG, Aug 12: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday launched Shillongs first-ever public bicycle sharing (PBS) system, marking a major milestone towards sustainable urban mobility in the hill city. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with fitness icon Milind Soman, unveiled the initiative at a special programme. The PBS project, part of the Shillong Urban Mobility [] The post Scan-and-ride in city: Urban mobility takes public e-bicycle sharing route appeared first on The Shillong Times .
86 and Thriving: Milind Somans Mom Usha Shows Youre Never Too Old to Be Fit!
Think age limits activity? Usha Soman, at 86, proves otherwise. She's a powerful example of an active and healthy lifestyle.
6 killed in air ambulance crash just outside Kenyas capital
NAIROBI, Aug 7: A plane belonging to an air ambulance service provider crashed in a residential area just outside Kenyas capital on Thursday, killing at least six people, according to a local official and the aircrafts owner. AMREF Flying Doctors said that the mid-size jet, a Cessna Citation XLS, took off from an airport in Nairobi and was heading to the territory of Somaliland when it crashed. The service provider didnt provide the number of casualties or a possible cause, [] The post 6 killed in air ambulance crash just outside Kenyas capital appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kerala Science Award 2023 presented to S. Somanath, former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at R&D Summit organised by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
S Somanath called for the establishment of dedicated manufacturing hubs across India, stressing the critical absence of a comprehensive aerospace manufacturing framework. He underscored the pressing demand for skilled technicians in tooling and related sectors, while also highlighting the supply chain challenges that impede India's rocket production capabilities.
IISER Tirupati Holds 6th Convocation, Confers 255 Degrees
Delivering the convocation address, chief guest Samir Somaiya, chairman and managing director of Godavari Biorefineries and chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University congratulated the graduating students and praised the architectural design of the campus.
PEC confers Honorary Doctorate upon former ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 4: In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of science and technology, the Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh conferred the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) on Dr S Somanath, former Chairman Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), today. The ceremony was presided over by Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, Board of Governors, PEC, in the gracious presence of Prof Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, director, PEC, Prof S K Mangal (Dean Academic Affairs) and Prof Uma Batra [] The post PEC confers Honorary Doctorate upon former ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jiribam killings case: Manipur HC directs NIA to file charge sheet
Imphal: The Manipur High Court directed the NIA to file within one month the charge sheet in the killing of three women and three children in Jiribam in November last year. A division bench comprising Chief Justice K Somasekhar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh gave the direction while hearing a PIL on Thursday. Subsequent to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Heavy rain lashes Delhi, IMD warns of intense showers across India till August 4
NEW DELHI: Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms affected several regions of Delhi, providing a respite from the prevailing humid weather conditions on Tuesday morning. IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India until August 4. Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for 6-7 days. Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. East and Central India, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, will experience isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms. South Peninsular India, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, is expected to experience heavy rain on July 29-30, accompanied by strong winds (40-50 kmph). Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely across most regions for the next week. Meanwhile, Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential disruptions to flight operations to and from Delhi on Tuesday morning due to gusty winds and rain. The airline urged travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their journey. Gusty wind and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey, Air India posted on X. According to IMD, it is forecasted that there will be fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern India during the next few days. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is also likely over Central and Peninsular India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over East Rajasthan on Wednesday (i.e July 30). Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and West Rajasthan on Wednesday. On July 30, Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are very likely at isolated places in Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, as well as Jharkhand. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning are expected at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Vidarbha. Strong surface winds are anticipated at isolated places in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep. Squally winds with speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the coasts of Somalia, Yemen, south Oman, westcentral and eastcentral Arabian Sea, southwest Arabian Sea, and southern parts of the north Arabian Sea. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, is expected over parts of the east-central Arabian Sea, along and off the Konkan, Goa, and Karnataka coasts. Similar conditions with winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are forecast along and off Gujarat and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.
Royal Challenge American Prides Rodeo Nights Makes Statement in Hyderabad
Hosted at Aqua, The Park, in Somajiguda, Hyderabad, the event was crafted to spark curiosity and raise a toast to the American spirit among young, urban consumers.
Telangana HC Inaugurates Legal Services Clinic for Defence Personnel, Ex-Servicemen and Families
After inauguration of the clinic at the Sainik Welfare Office at Somajiguda, Justice Sam Koshy said that the clinic was established with a pious cause to extend legal assistance that defence personnel, their dependents and ex-servicemen and their family members require.
Relief For MIAL: Bombay High Court Rules in Favour Over Celebi Replacement
A bench of Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan said the interim protection granted in May cannot be continued as the Delhi HC earlier this month dismissed Celebis petition against similar contract termination of the Delhi airport and revocation of security clearance.
Veerashaiva Lingayat mutts of Guru, Virakta traditions should come together: Somanna
The Minister of State for Railways has emphasised the need for the coming together of these mutts in the interest of the community
Train blasts verdict shocking, will move SC, says Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed shock at the Bombay HC's decision to acquit all 12 accused in the 11/7 train blasts case, assuring an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court. BJP's Kirit Somaiya and Shiv Sena's Milind Deora echoed the sentiment, urging the state government to seek top legal experts for the appeal.
Insider track | Diplomatic glitz at Sangh Soiree
Mark your calendars and perhaps, your diplomatic protocols. If things go as planned, New Delhis diplomatic circuit may find itself sitting front row at an event hosted not by the Ministry of External Affairs, but by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In what could be a first, officials from various embassies (with the predictable exception of our western neighbour, Pakistan) are being invited to a three-day lecture series by the RSS. The occasion? The Sangh is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of its existence, and its kicking things off with lecture marathons in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. The Delhi edition will open the series at Vigyan Bhawan on August 26, with Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS Sarsanghchalak himself, delivering the inaugural address. Were reaching out to various embassies to join us in this lecture series and hope they respond positively, said a senior RSS functionary, sounding both hopeful and diplomatic. The idea, it seems, is to bring together diplomats, scholars, and the capitals whos who to talk about key issues concerning Bharat and perhaps to showcase the Sanghs intellectual side. And no, this isnt just another round of speeches and samosas. Theres a clear message brewing: The Sanghs chief lecture will give us a new direction which we are following for a powerful and viksit Bharat, said the functionary, firmly, and the RSS is aiming for soft power points. Poll plunge for IAS close to Nitish With double engine governments at the Centre and in Bihar, it hardly took a month to approve the VRS application of 2010 batch IAS officer Dinesh Kumar Rai. He is considered a close confidant of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and the grapevine in Delhi and Patna suggests that he will contest the upcoming assembly polls on the ruling JD(U) ticket from a constituency in Sahabad district. Incidentally, Rai was scheduled to superannuate from the service in January 2026,but he applied for the VRS on June 13, 2025, and the Union government through the Department of Personnel & Training obliged him with effect from July 15, 2025. At the time of leaving the job, Rai, a Bihar Administrative Service officer promoted to IAS, was serving as Secretary, Revenue and Land Reforms. Earlier, he was also in the CMO. Fighting radicalisation in prisons The Modi government has flagged growing radicalisation in prisons as a serious concern and has asked states and UTs to counter it effectively. In a circular, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) urged prison authorities to develop standardised screening tools to assess inmates behaviour, associations, and ideological leanings at the time of admission. States have been advised to work closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to identify inmates who may pose a radical influence on others. The MHA also recommended setting up independent high-security prison complexes to house hardened and radicalised offenders, including terrorists. Seeking ASI help for Agra Metro Facing tepid ridership on the newly launched Agra Metro, the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has sought help from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to boost visibility and attract more commuters, particularly tourists. Despite its first corridor partially connecting major landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandara, and Mankameshwar Temple, the metro is struggling to draw riders. UPMRC cited low public awareness and limited access to route and service information as key reasons behind the underwhelming response. To fix this, it has requested ASIs support in displaying promotional videos and pamphlets at protected monuments and on the ASIs official website. The aim is to inform both tourists and locals about the metros connectivity, timings, and convenience. A slice of civility for the civil service Well, heres a refreshing memo from the top: bureaucrats must meet real people. Yes, the corridors of power may soon echo with the unfamiliar sound of citizens walking in not for selfies or ceremonial cups of tea, but for honest-to-goodness conversations about problems, policies, and the odd grievance. This directive comes straight from Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, who seems to have had enough of the closed-door culture that has crept into the senior bureaucracy. Theres a perceived reluctance among many senior officials to meet anyone outside their echo chamber of government colleagues. The keyword here is perceived, but one suspects that perception and reality may not be far apart. In a letter now circulating in babudom, Somanathan reminds secretaries of all ministries that meeting members of the public is not optional and, importantly, should take place within official premises, not in clubs, hotels, or over a quiet drink at the gymkhana. (Yes, someone had to spell that out.) Such interactions can offer valuable insights into ground realities, help clarify miscommunications, and even lead to better ideas, he gently noted. One can imagine several startled secretaries mentally clearing an hour of their packed schedules. To be fair, the letter acknowledges that senior officers are pressed for time, but argues that even limited engagement with the public can go a long way in bridging gaps between policy and perception. If needed, another official can sit in on the meeting just in case things get too real.
Be accessible to people: Cabinet secretary tells senior bureaucrats
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan has urged Union government secretaries to be more accessible to non-officials, addressing concerns about a perceived reluctance to grant appointments. He emphasized that meetings with individuals from diverse backgrounds can offer valuable insights, clarify misunderstandings, and facilitate better policy implementation. Officials are encouraged to hold these meetings in their offices.
Somalians shouldnt run for office in US: Hate floods in as Omar Fateh runs for Minneapolis mayor
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan asks top officers to meet non-officials
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan has advised senior government officers to meet non-official individuals seeking appointments, stating that such interactions are key to understanding on-ground realities and correcting miscommunications.
Patel power play as AAP challenges BJP Gujarat citadel
AHMEDABAD : The political battleground in Gujarat is witnessing a renewed churn around the influential Patidar community, with multiple players vying for dominance in this electoral bloc. While the BJP continues to command a grip on the Patel vote bank, bolstered by its top leadership comprising influential Patidar figures, emerging challenges from the AAP and internal lobbying within the Congress are beginning to shift the political discourse. The AAP, under the leadership of Gopal Italia, has stepped up efforts to erode the BJPs dominance in the Patidar belt. Though the Congress has failed to make a lasting dent in the BJPs support among Patels, it is currently witnessing a power tussle within its own state unit. While its Patidar leaders are pushing for a Patel to be appointed as the new state Congress president, a counter-lobby led by the OBC bloc is pressing for an OBC leader to take charge. A political confrontation has turned Morbi into the epicentre of Gujarats electoral drama. The spark came when BJP MLA Kanti Amrutiya, during a public event, challenged AAPs Gopal Italia to contest elections from his Morbi seat. Amrutiya vowed to resign from the assembly on Monday and even pledged Rs 2 crore to Italia if he managed to win. If he has the support of the Patidar community, let him prove it in Morbi, Amrutiya asserted. Vankaner BJP MLA Jitu Somani threw his weight behind Amrutiyas challenge. If Italia wins from Morbi, I will resign from my seat in Vankaner. Let him put in his papers on Monday and enter the ring, Somani declared. Gopal Italia accepted the challenge in a video response. If the BJP MLAs truly resign, Im ready to contest. One must not go back on their word. I accept this challenge, Italia expressed.
Somanna flags off extended train service
KCR admitted to hospital again in one week
Hyderabad: Former Telangana Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao was again admitted to a private hospital here for medical investigations. The 71-year-old leader was admitted to Yashoda Hospital, Somajiguda, on Thursday on the advice of doctors. He was accompanied by his wife Shobha, nephew and former Minister T. Harish Rao Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Manipur HC directs NIA to file progess report on Jiribam killings
GUWAHATI: The Manipur High Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to file a progress report in connection with the November 11, 2024 killings of three women and three children -- all members of the Meitei community -- in Jiribam. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice K Somashekar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh, issued the direction during the hearing of a public interest litigation on Monday. The petitioner, Soram Tekendrajit, had sought justice for the victims. The court said although an FIR was filed on November 11, 2024 itself, yet no progress report had been submitted and no charge filed by the investigation agency. There is no progress report submitted by the NIA represented by Mr. W Darakeshwor. The said counsel in this case seeks a short accommodation on the premises that he wants to submit a detailed progress report in terms of charge sheet. If charge sheet is not filed, this matter should be viewed seriously, the court said. The NIA counsel was directed to submit the detailed progress report in terms of charge sheet before the court. The matter will be heard again on July 24 next. The six victims all from the Meitei community were allegedly abducted by Kuki militants from Borobekra in Jiribam on the same day Central Reserve Police Force and Manipur Police gunned down 10 Kuki armed Kuki miscreants in the area. The bullet-riddled bodies of the six were recovered on different days from the Barak River along the Manipur-Assam border. The killings triggered widespread protests in the Imphal Valley during which mobs attacked the houses of several legislators. Jiribam, located on Manipurs westernmost boundary adjoining Assams Cachar district, was the last district to be affected by the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kukis. It has a mixed population of Meiteis, Kukis and other tribal and non-tribal communities.
The official announcement was made during the inauguration of Zohos Kottarakkara campus, which was presided over by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister K N Balagopal. Also present were Zoho US Co-founder Tony Thomas, Zoho Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu, Member of Parliament Kodikunnil Suresh, Kerala Startup Mission CEO Anoop Ambika, and former ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath.
Somany Ceramics Cut To 'Add' As HDFC Securities Sees Limited Upside After Recent Rally
HDFC Securities downgrades Somany to Add, owing to stock price rally in the past month.
Migrant Workers Body Reaches Native Place From Israel
Telangana Israel Association president Soma Ravi said that Ravinders last rites were conducted on Wednesday.
Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Friday said train fares will be raised in stages without affecting the commuters. The minister also said that discussions for the changes are going on. July will see some major changes in tickets including Aadhar-based authentication.
Maharashtra's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is emerging as a voice of restraint. He intervened in Kirit Somaiya's mosque visits after Muslim groups objected. Pawar also opposed the promotion of Hindi in primary schools. He criticised VHP and Bajrang Dal's role in Nagpur riots. This stance sparks debate about his motives and NCP(A)'s identity.
Appealing to the Chief Minister to safeguard the States water rights over the Godavari and Krishna rivers, it insists on accelerating the PolavaramSomasila interlink, completing the ongoing Rayalaseema projects, and protecting the constitutional and tribunal-based entitlements
Andhra Pradeshs space policy aims at attracting 25,000 crore investment, generating 35,000 jobs
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu gives the green signal for development of two Space Cities at Lepakshi and Tirupati; Andhra Pradeshs timely policy intervention will give it a competitive edge in the expanding space economy, says Honorary Adviser and former ISRO Chairman Somanath
Gujarat Congress Vice President Hira Jotva grilled by police over Rs 7.3 crore MNREGA scam
AHMEDABAD: An assistant project manager has flagged a shocking MNREGA scam worth Rs 7.3 crore across villages in Gujarat's Bharuch district, Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot Taluka. Acting on the complaint, Bharuch police have now summoned Congress leader Hira Jotva from Gir Somnath for questioning. Sources indicate that police may move toward arresting him following the interrogation. The Rs 7.30 crore fraud, spanning 430 development works across 56 villages in Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot talukas, was first flagged on May 30 by a government official from the Gram Vikas Agency, who filed a formal complaint at Bharuchs A Division Police Station. The investigation zeroed in on two Veraval-based firms Shri Jalaram Enterprise and Muralidhar Enterprise contracted for supplying material under MNREGA projects. These agencies allegedly manipulated records, provided substandard material, and bypassed mandatory manual labour by using machines, thereby violating the core principles of the rural employment scheme and causing massive losses to the state exchequer. Police identified Piyush Nukani, owner of Shri Jalaram Enterprise, and Jodhabhai Sabhad, owner of Muralidhar Enterprise, as key players in the racket. Crucially, both are reported to have close ties to senior Congress leader Hira Jotwani a link that has now drawn political attention to the case. Following the FIR, Bharuch SP formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the scandal. The SIT, after recording statements from workers and agency staff, summoned Hira Jotva to Bharuch for questioning regarding his association with the two contractors. Officials are probing whether Jotva played any role in facilitating or shielding the scam. However, at the time of writing, police have not officially declared whether Hira Jotva has been officially arrested or detained. Bharuch Congress Leader Sandeep Mangrola said, Hira Jotva was detained from Gir Somanth, and police are bringing him here at Bharuch for questioning. Hira Jotva is a prominent face in Gujarat Congress politics. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Junagadh and had earlier fought the 2022 Assembly polls from Keshod. He also served as the General Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) from 2019 to 2023 and is currently its Vice President. As questioning continues, the police are examining financial trails and political connections to determine the full scale and backing behind the scam. Legal proceedings are underway, and more detentions could follow based on emerging evidence.
Set to release in theatres on July 25, the anthology film also features Santhanam, Guru Somasundaram, Robo Shankar and Bala Saravanan in special supporting roles
Top HSC Performers Honoured at Somaiya Vidyavihar University's Academic Excellence Ceremony
admission.somaiya.edu/svuet .
India second after Nigeria on largest number of unvaccinated children: Lancet
NEW DELHI: A whopping 1.44 million children in India did not receive a single shot of any routine vaccination in 2023, a new global study published Wednesday in The Lancet said. The study also stated that India recorded the second-highest number of zero-dose childrendefined as those lacking access to or never reached by routine immunisation services after Nigeria. India also stood among the eight countries, along with Nigeria and Ethiopia, where more than half of the unvaccinated children from around the world lived as of 2023, according to an analysis by the Global Burden of Disease Study Vaccine Coverage Collaborators. The report said that more than half of the 15.7 million global zero-dose children resided in just eight countries, with Nigeria topping the list with the largest number of unvaccinated children (2.5 million), followed by India (1.4 million), the Democratic Republic of Congo (882,000), Ethiopia (782,000), Somalia (710,000), Sudan (627,000), Indonesia (538,000) and Brazil (452,000), thus emphasising persistent inequities. In India, the Universal Immunisation Programme provides vaccination against 12 diseases, which are offered to children free of cost. The report stated that achieving coverage of 90 percent or greater for each of the life-course vaccines all three doses of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, two measles vaccines, and the pneumococcal vaccine is the central target for 2030. Only 18 of 204 countries have already met this target. It also said that children who had never received a routine childhood vaccine further fell by 75 percent fall, from 58.8 million in 1980 to 14.7 million in 2019, before the Covid-19. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, with global rates for these vaccines declining sharply since 2020 and still not returning to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels as of 2023, it added. It noted that substantial increases in coverage are necessary in many countries and territories, with those in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia facing the greatest challenges. The study suggested strengthening primary healthcare systems, addressing vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, and adapting to local contexts as essential to advancing coverage. The report said that measles vaccination coverage declined in 100 of 204 countries between 2010 and 2019. In 1980, 53.5 percent of children who had never received a routine childhood vaccine, or zero-dose children, lived in just five countries, India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. But by 2019, 52.8 percent of zero-dose children still lived in only seven countries, namely, Nigeria, India, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Brazil, Somalia, and Pakistan, it highlighted. The report said although delivering routine childhood vaccinations worldwide requires a tremendous investment of global resources, including approximately $3.9 billion in development assistance for health in 2023, childhood immunisation has proven to be one of the most successful and cost-effective public health strategies known, both in terms of lives saved and return on investment. The study provided updated global, regional, and national estimates of routine childhood vaccine coverage from 1980 to 2023 for 204 countries and territories for 11 vaccine-dose combinations recommended by World Health Organisation for all children globally.
Mosque loudspeaker row: Ajit Pawar directs police not to take any wrongful action
Maharashtra Deputy CMs comment came after the delegation of Muslim leaders complained of campaigns against loudspeakers by Kirit Somaiya in several areas of Mumbai, as well as police action on removing the loudspeakers
Muslim leaders meet Ajit Pawar over loudspeakers at mosques
Muslim leaders met with Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to voice concerns over the removal of loudspeakers from mosques. They alleged that police action was prompted by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's demands, despite mosques adhering to permissible decibel limits set by the High Court. Pawar emphasized adherence to decibel limits and tasked the police to act on violations.
